ASH ISLAND. 187 



Parramatta district, but both of them flourish at the Kurrajong. 

 It was reported to me that the nettle tree (Jliticd gigas), and 

 also the native poppy (Papaver Jwrridum) have been collected on 

 the island, and Citriobatus is very abundant, attaining a greater 

 size than in some other parts of the colony. The native Bignonia 

 (Tecoma Australis), and Ripogonum album of the Smilax family, 

 also occur. Of the latter, I have never noticed more than one 

 place on our creeks in which it grows, and after the most diligent 

 search, I have not succeeded in procuring flowering specimens. At 

 Ash Island it is said to flower plentifully. Flagellaria Indica may 

 also be seen climbing up trees to a considerable height. This is 

 a plant of " doubtful affinity," being placed by some writers 

 amongst the Juncaceae, and by others amongst the Commely- 

 naceae. It is said to derive its name from Flagellum a thong, in 

 allusion to the length, toughness, and slenderness of its shoots. 

 According to the Linnaaan system, this plant is placed in the 

 class Hexandria, order triqynia. The flowers are in panicles, and 

 the leaves are cirrhous at the apex. Endlicher mentions this as 

 a tropical plant, and it is also placed by the late Admiral King 

 amongst the plants common in India and South America, as well 

 as in tropical Australia. According to some authorities, the 

 leaves of it are astringent and vulnerary. Of the lily family, I 

 remarked Arthropodium, Dianella, Eustreplius, and Geitonoplesium, 

 but the species appeared to be similar to those of this district. 

 The large white lily ( Crinum pedunculatwn) is also indigenous at 

 Ash Island. "With respect to the Orchids, the season was so far 

 advanced that I had not an opportunity of examining them in 

 flower, but, from the very beautiful drawings of Mrs. Forde, 

 and Miss Scott, I ascertained that at least two species of Ptero- 

 stylis, and five of Dendrobium grow on the island. Lyonsia 

 straminea is very plentiful, and flowers much more readily than it 

 does in this neighbourhood. Mr. Gr. Suttor has noticed this 

 plant for the last two or three seasons on the creek at Baulkham 

 Hills, and has cultivated it in his garden, but it never flowered 

 until this year. Of the Loranthacese, or mistletoe family, there 

 are several species of LorantJius, and one of Viscum. Erom the 

 drawings of Miss Scott, Dr. P. Mueller has determined L. 

 Preissii and L. subfalcatus. These are decidedly different from 

 any in this neighbourhood, the species here being L. Q-audichaudi, 



